Dress code: Although the event is cocktail attire, ladies will be comfortable in both floor and street length evening-wear. For men, business attire or black-tie is suggested.

Parking: Parking is available anywhere within the provided parking lots south of the building and is free of charge. When there is a large community event scheduled on a day when CU classes are in session, part of the lot may be blocked off for CU student parking only. When this occurs, the area designated for CU students will be identified with signage and in some cases, personnel will be directing cars to the appropriate section.

Photographer: A photographer will take table pictures and candid photos throughout the evening as well as photos of the award presentations. This includes every Luminary and Nightingale recipient. Some photos will be printed and available for free by the end of the evening. All photos will be available for purchase on a special website after the event. There will also be a special photography area for personal photos with friends and family. This area will be located in the same pre-function area as the cocktail party.

Silent Auction: The silent auction closes at 7:30. You’ll need to pick up and pay for any items you won before leaving the party.

Hotel Information: If you will need a hotel near CU South Denver, here are several nearby options. Please call the hotel directly to make your room reservation.

Donate to the silent auction!

Enter the Gift-Basket Challenge!

Gift-baskets will be raffled during the dinner. Please make arrangements to have your gift-basket delivered prior to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019, to the foundation's offices at 2851 S. Parker Road, Suite 1210, Aurora, CO 80014:

A Tale Of 10 Months — The Journey To The Statewide Gala

The journey to the Statewide Nightingale Luminary Awards and Gala begins the preceding summer with the creation and acceptance of the State Nomination Form.

Beginning in November and continuing through January, nominators make their luminary nominations; deadlines vary among the AHECs and regions so that the most applications may be received in the desired time frame.

In January and continuing into February, AHEC and regional selection committees choose Nightingale luminaries from among hundreds of nominations.

In February and continuing into March, the AHECs and regions host regional Nightingale awards ceremonies that draw scores of attendees and nursing supporters to evening banquets or fun-filled celebrations. At approximately the same time, the Statewide Selection Committee meets in Denver each spring to select twelve Nightingale Award recipients from among the 60 annual luminaries.

The process concludes every May at the conclusion of National Nurses Week. The State Nightingale Luminary Awards Gala is held this year on May 12, the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Don’t miss it!

Luminary Awards will be presented to regional recipients and Nightingale Awards will be presented to twelve Luminary award recipients on this special evening.

The program will recognize nurses in two categories: Nurses in Clinical Practice and Administrators, Educators, Researchers & Non-Traditional Practice Roles. Each category will be recognized in one of three areas: Advocacy, Leadership, and Innovation. By structuring the program in this manner, many more nurses are being recognized for excellence in Colorado.

The Nightingale Luminary theme of “Excellence in Nursing Professional Engagement & Citizenship” reflects the CNF Strategic Initiative to reframe the profession of nursing and the professional engagement of nurses.